Jan. 28, 2011

Clemson claims top spot in ACC preseason poll

Clemson was picked as the favorite in the Atlantic Coast Conference in voting by the league’s head coaches and released by the conference office.

The Tigers, who reached the College World Series a season ago under the guidance of head coach Jack Leggett (right), were tabbed to win the Atlantic Division and received seven votes as the overall champion. Clemson’s lineup returns three preseason All-Americans: outfielder Jeff Schaus, shortstop Brad Miller and third baseman John Hinson.

Florida State picked up four first-place votes to win the Atlantic Division and three votes to repeat as ACC Champion. Mike McGee returns to Tallahassee as a first baseman and pitcher for the Seminoles. He was the winner of the 2010 John Olerud Award as the top two-way player in the nation.

NC State was voted third in the Atlantic Division, followed by Maryland, Boston College and Wake Forest.

Virginia is expected to repeat as Coastal Division winner, receiving nine votes to take the division and two as overall champion. Danny Hultzen, a preseason All-American and 2010 ACC Pitcher of the Year, returns to lead the Cavalier pitching staff.

Georgia Tech placed second in the Coastal Division voting, garnering a pair of first-place votes. The final first-place vote went to third-place Miami. North Carolina came in fourth, followed by Virginia Tech and Duke.

The 2011 season begins on Friday, Feb. 18. The ACC Championship will take place May 25-29 at Durham Bulls Athletic Park in Durham, N.C.

ACC Preseason Poll

Overall Champion: Clemson (7)

Also receiving votes: Florida State (3), Virginia (2)

Atlantic Division

Team, Points (First Place Votes) (2010 ACC, Overall Records)

1. Clemson, 68 (8) (18-12, 45-25)

2. Florida State, 64 (4) (18-12, 48-20)

3. NC State, 46 (15-15, 38-24)

4. Maryland, 27 (5-25, 17-39)

5. Boston College, 26 (14-16, 30-28)

6. Wake Forest, 21 (8-22, 18-37)

Coastal Division

Team, Points (First Place Votes) (2010 ACC, Overall Records)

1. Virginia, 69 (9) (23-7, 51-14)
2. Georgia Tech, 56 (2) (21-9, 47-15)

3. Miami, 48 (1) (20-10, 43-20)

4. North Carolina, 40 (14-16, 38-22)

5. Virginia Tech, 25 (16-14, 40-22)

6. Duke, 14 (8-22, 29-27)

(photo courtesy of Clemson Media Relations Office)